Meningitis is a serious illness that causes the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord to swell. Viral infections are the cause of most cases, but there are also bacterial and fungal causes. Certain cases resolve themselves in a few weeks without any treatment while others can be life-threatening. These more serious cases are typically caused by a bacterial infection and will need emergency treatment with antibiotics.Bacteria can travel to the brain and spinal cord via the bloodstream, causing meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can also occur via a direct route to the meninges (the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord). The bacteria may be able to enter the body via the ear or sinuses, a skull fracture, or after a surgery.There are several different bacteria that can result in meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common culprit of the bacterial type in the United States. It usually causes pneumonia or ear and sinus infections. It is vaccine preventable.
Complications from meningitis can be life-threatening. It can cause permanent brain damage due to seizures. Treatment for bacterial cases includes intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, Tylenol, anticonvulsants to reduce seizure activity, oxygen, fluids, and sedation. It is important to note the signs and symptoms so that treatment can begin immediately if a bacterial case is suspected.
Complications from meningitis can be life-threatening. It can cause permanent brain damage due to seizures. Treatment for bacterial cases includes intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, Tylenol, anticonvulsants to reduce seizure activity, oxygen, fluids, and sedation. It is important to note the signs and symptoms so that treatment can begin immediately if a bacterial case is suspected.